As we travel, Hilary, it is imperative that we become ambassadors for all of humankind, where we exemplify the spirit of being together on this fragile earth, with far, far more in common than anything that divides us. We are all brothers and sisters, whether black, white, brown or yellow, whether man or woman, whether we wear a turban, a head square, a yarmulke or a baseball cap. Love will always transcend hate, but to wish for sane rational leaders seems to be a vain hope indeed. As we start 2020 war is going on around the world as it always has and I fear always will. I hope that 2020 will be the kind of year that fulfills your personal dreams and that your passionate, considerate regard for others will touch the lives of many.

@ Ian – many thanks I remember waking up way after everyone else, when I was living over there … I’m happy being back in the middle of blogging life! Gosh I do hope 2020 is kinder for all the world …

@ Diane – great to see you … and thanks for your healthy and prosperous wishes for 2020 …

@ John – thank you and lovely seeing you here. The cartoon by John T McCutcheon –is courtesy Wikipedia; I didn’t know who he was … sort of had a quick check – but it was an image I felt I could use …get rid of last year, let’s hope the younger year will do us better; Interesting to know you recognised his name …

@ Sandie – thank you … you too

@ Jo-Anne – all the best for your family …

@ David – a very considered comment … appreciated by EC, me and no doubt other readers. My uncle always said ‘love is all’. We may be diverse but we are all human.

Thank you – I will try and live up to your expectations … and hope that leaders will be tempered in their outpourings …

@ Liz – thank you …

@ Rhonda – many thanks … the times are a-changin – that’s for sure …

@ Pam – thank you … and less to ‘ignoring’ others … helping where we can …

@ PTMan – thank you …

@ EC – yes I agree a very considered comment. The words used in the Boxer are so apposite for today – a sad indictment – but as you say let’s have a decade and more filled with kindness and compassion … for all.

@ Keith – a day in the life of a decade, but it sets the tone for the year ahead …

Thanks so much to you all – here’s to a happy New Year and lots of joy in 2020 – cheers Hilary

Happy new year, Hilary. So good to see you here regularly again. I think Orwell's quote is not really true...we produce a lot....of rubbish!! No, that's not all true either. Man does produce a lot, but often at the expense and exploitation of others in the world, so we are indeed a mixed blessing. Have a lovely 2020!

Very philosophical Hilary. I do hope everyone takes note, trouble is people tend to resolve to do better with many things when the calendar changes, but with the pressures of life, they tend to forget.

Hilary, a beautiful New Year's post! Filled with reflection through these wonderful songs and their verses. May it be a creative year filled with joy and peace ... yet remembering many are not so lucky, helping where we can. hugs xx

@ Elsie - the only thing I can think of - is that our two blog hosts don't like talking to one another ... because this is the most simple of set ups ... I've always kept mine free of Flash etc etc ... I struggle sometime to comment on yours ... but get to work it out eventually!!

I thought the Orwell quote was powerful ... we need to pay attention to where we come from ... the same as everything else on this planet - the earth and soil - and yes Orwell certainly packs a punch with his writing ...

@ Lynda - many thanks ... the same to you ...

@ Val - yes I'm back and around - thanks for the 'thumbs up'!! I agree with your thoughts on the Orwell quote I set out - I probably missed the larger part of it! But this phrase made me stop and think ... we aren't protecting the earth or giving back and we need to ... and as you say we don't need to exploit quite so much at the expenses of other humans, or life on earth ...

@ Jo - well I keep trying to put over the positive aspects of life ... and where we could possibly help ourselves ... I'm sure it sinks in for some people! Especially if I keep 'flogging' things ... actually I try not to do that - but keep posting positive ideas ...

You have quoted from two of my favourite songs Hilary! I wish you everything you would wish for your self this year AND MORE!If I can refer back to your previous post: A few days I went to the tombstone consecration (a big thing in Judaism) for a friend's son. The boy was in his late thirties and had severe learning difficulties all of his too-short life.However, he would always have a smile and a joke and was the most caring person you could wish to know. Once met never forgotten. How many of us will be able to say that? CLICK HERE for Bazza’s sometimes sad Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

Happy New Year, Hilary! Yes, life goes on and we can only hope the "powers that be" don't blow up the world. Thank you for sharing those lyrics from The Boxer; a lovely song that is now happily stuck in my head. Wishing you all the best for 2020!

Happy new year 2020 Hilary. Pilgrims, not tourists is the takeaway I like the most, and will try to act upon in my own small sphere.

And another helping of war is certainly a no-no, hopefully better sense and selves will prevail. Fed-up of the violence everywhere and don't want any of it from the previous decade carried over into this new one.

Thank you for the comment re my previous post 'You Raise Me Up' - about a charity supporting people who have lost a young adult ...

I understand your thoughts re your friends' son ... and their challenges - but how wonderful he was always smiling and joking and was so caring - really good to hear at this time. People are extraordinary ... and yes so many surprise us with their positive outlooks ...

@ Debbie - thank you ... and yes I hope we can get our countries back to being more peaceful in their approach to life and the world in the whole ...

The brief snippets of the songs resonated for me - glad they did for you ...

@ Roland - yes good point about the Roaring Twenties - as long as we can keep that prosperity going - music resonates in so many ways ... doesn't it.

Thanks to the three of you - lovely thoughtful comments - and here's to a very happy 2020 to you all ... cheers Hilary

Pilgrims for the 2020s is the way to go - no touristy ideas - you are so right there. And yes I'm fed up with all the bullying and violence that seems to be endemic to the world and some of our leaders at present.

I hope sense and positivity prevail ... take care and thanks for coming by - happy new year - cheers Hilary

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About Me

A lover of life – who after London, spent time in South Africa; an administrator, sports lover, who enjoys cooking and entertaining ... who through her mother’s illness found a new passion – writing, in particular blogging; which provides an opportunity for future exploration, by the daughter, who has (in her 3rd age years) found a love of historical education. Curiosity didn’t kill this cat – interaction is the key! Now moved to Vancouver Island, Canada for 'a while' - not forever ...